Experts have warned that millions of children could die from preventable disease because of severe disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus.
At least 68 countries have been affected – with some stopping vaccination campaigns completely.
The World Health Organization advised many countries to suspend vaccinations to help slow the spread of coronavirus. But now it is one of several groups expressing concern about the long-term impact.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the Sabin Vaccine Institute and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance are also worried thousands of children every day could die needlessly.
There are a number of reasons vaccination services have been so badly disrupted, including parents’ fear of catching Covid-19 if they leave the house, health workers being diverted to deal with the pandemic and problems getting vaccine supplies to clinics.
The Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta Fore says Measles, diphtheria and cholera are on the rise.
